Last week Troopers assigned to Troop B - Gray uncovered a substantial counterfeit inspection sticker operation in Lewiston. The operation was being run out of a residence located at 1223 Sabattus Road in Lewiston. The residence is owned by 31 year old Percy Hutchins.

After a significant investigation, Troopers executed a search warrant at the residence. That search resulted in the seizure of 27 inspection stickers (as well as 10 other seized earlier in the investigation), Glass encased proofs, computers and a printer.

Troopers believe Hutchins has been in operation since 2010 and may have produced 100’s and possibly 1000’s of counterfeit stickers. Those stickers were distributed throughout central Maine where they we sold for $100 or more.

Hutchins was arrested and charged with Aggravated Forgery and transported to the Androscoggin County Jail.

Over the last several years Troopers have seen an increase of counterfeit inspection stickers throughout Maine. The quality of the counterfeit stickers has been very high. While it has become more difficult to spot them, Troopers have continued to find them in increasing numbers out on the road often times on vehicles that pose serious safety risks to the motoring public.